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Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Why El Al is making changes to flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Two years after El Al began year-round flights to Israel from Fort Lauderdale, the airline is pulling out of the Broward County airport. Broward travelers who want to reach the religious sites, visit family or do business with tech companies in Israel will have to use Miami International Airport. Israel's state-owned airline says it's making changes to help focus business growth around the 305. Starting this fall, El Al Israel Airlines will shift the two weekly flights it now operates between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport to Miami International Airport. The changes will be gradual. The first goes into effect in late October 2025. The second will take place on April 15, 2026, the airline said. At that point, 'El Al will cease operations at Fort Lauderdale and will concentrate all Florida-bound flights in Miami,' Simon Newton-Smith, El Al's vice president for the Americas, said in a statement sent to the Miami Herald. The blog DansDeals first reported the move from FLL to MIA. El Al will then operate seven weekly flights between Tel Aviv and MIA — although, as customary, it won't operate on the Jewish Sabbath, sundown Friday through sundown Saturday. The flights between Tel Aviv and FLL, Florida's third largest airport, started on April 15, 2024. Broward airport officials didn't respond to an email from the Miami Herald on Monday requesting comment and more information. El Al growth tied to MIA El Al said a main factor for the change: It wants a larger runway. 'The decision follows a comprehensive review of operational conditions at Fort Lauderdale, including seasonal limitations and the growing passenger traffic in the Miami area,' Newton-Smith said. El Al flies mostly Boeing Dreamliners for international trips and has a mix of 787-9s and 787-8s, according to its website. But the airline would like to use more 787-9s to carry more people and haul more goods, as it typically does at the Miami airport. Cargo is a lucrative market. 'We are moving flights back to MIA so we can utilize larger aircraft to service more passengers and cargo,' the airline executive said. 'The company's plan is to grow the South Florida market and the longer runway will give us that capability.' The changes are also to consolidate personnel and equipment in one place. El Al said focusing on MIA will also broaden its reach across the U.S. as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline has an agreement with Delta Air Lines where each can sell tickets for the other. Delta has a partnership with Chilean airlines LATAM that permits fliers on one carrier to earn and use frequent flier miles on the other. Cargo market, Latin American connection at Miami airport In 2023, LATAM began cargo routes between Miami and Brasilia and increased its Miami-Florianópolis service from two to three weekly flights. It's betting big on the Magic City. 'Our biggest cargo market is Miami,' said Martin St. George, chief commercial officer for LATAM, during an interview in 2023 with the Herald. DHL Express and Avianca also have large cargo operations at MIA. In 2024, MIA set a new record for cargo, receiving over 3 million tons, more than 8% higher than 2023, the fifth consecutive year it notched an increase. That included the vast majority of fresh-cut flowers the U.S. imports for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. El Al also has partnerships with Aeromexico and Aerolineas Argentinas. So, Newton-Smith said focusing on MIA would significantly expand its destination options across North and South America. Most airlines from the United States canceled flights to and from Israel after the October 2023 attacks by Hamas, a group the United States classifies as terrorist organization, which murdered over a thousand people and took hundreds hostage. The largest cruise companies suspended stops at Israeli ports. El Al, however, continued to fly to and from Miami and other U.S. airports. El Al also has nonstop flights to Israel from Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Boston's Logan International Airport.
India Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Who is Edan Alexander, last known American hostage in Gaza freed by Hamas?
American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was reunited with his family on Monday after 584 days in Hamas captivity. He was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and reunited with his family at an Israeli military facility before being flown to a hospital for medical release, facilitated during a brief pause in fighting, was attributed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to both sustained military pressure by Israel and diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu confirmed he had spoken directly with Trump and credited his involvement as a key factor in securing Alexander's is Edan Alexander?advertisementEdan Alexander is a dual Israeli-American citizen, was born in Tel Aviv and grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. The 21-year-old man was the last known living American hostage held in Gaza since Hamas' October 2023 attack. After graduating high school, he moved to Israel in 2022 and joined the military. On October 7, 2023, during Hamas' surprise attack, Alexander was captured from his army base, where he had volunteered to stay over the Jewish Sabbath, and taken into Gaza, becoming one of 251 hostages seized that day.A video released by Hamas in November 2024, showing a tearful Alexander pleading for help, confirmed he was alive. Though emotionally difficult for his family, the footage offered a glimmer of hope. Unlike many other male soldiers held in Gaza, Alexander was not included in earlier exchanges during ceasefire to Israeli media reports, Edan Alexander declined a personal meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his release. Channel 12 described his physical and emotional state as "low," though the report did not cite an official was Edan Alexander released?Alexander's release followed four-party negotiations involving the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas. Qatar and Egypt called the development a hopeful step toward renewed ceasefire negotiations. Hamas stated that Alexander was released as a goodwill gesture to Trump, who is visiting the Gulf region this the move raised hopes for further hostage releases, it also drew criticism from families of other captives who say the government prioritises those with foreign ties. Despite the release, fighting resumed shortly after the handover. Fifty-nine hostages are still in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be continuesIsraeli airstrikes reportedly killed several people, including women and children sheltering in schools in Khan Younis and Gaza City. Netanyahu's office reiterated that Israel has made no ceasefire commitments and will continue its military war, sparked by Hamas' deadly assault in October 2023, has left over 52,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health officials, and pushed half a million people toward starvation, according to global food security monitors. The offensive has destroyed vast areas of the territory and displaced some 90% of its population. IN THIS STORY#Gaza Strip#Israel#United States of America#Donald Trump
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First Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Who is Edan Alexander, the last-living American hostage freed by Hamas? How many are still held in Gaza?
Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier from New Jersey, was released after 583 days in Hamas captivity following the October 7 attacks. His freedom marks a rare moment of hope in a long-running crisis, with 58 hostages still held in Gaza. His family's relief now fuels renewed pressure for more releases and international action read more People hold a picture and a sign with a picture of the Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, who was kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 12, 2025. File Image/Reuters Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier captured during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, was released from captivity in Gaza this week after nearly 19 months in detention. Alexander was handed over to Israeli authorities on Monday , with his family present shortly thereafter at a military base. According to visuals released by Israeli media, he was visibly emotional as he embraced his mother, Yael, who said, 'How strong you are. I love you so much, Edan. We were so worried.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He was also reunited with his father, brother and sister before being flown via Israeli Air Force helicopter to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. More from Explainers Hamas frees last US-Israeli hostage ahead of Trump's Middle East visit Captured at the age of 19, Edan Alexander was among the first wave of individuals seized by Hamas when terrorists launched a surprise incursion across the Israeli border. People carry posters with pictures of Edan Alexander, kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, as supporters of Israeli hostages take part in a protest and they demand the release of all hostages in the 555 day since the kidnapping, in Jerusalem, April 13, 2025. File Image/Reuters He was serving as a soldier on a military base in southern Israel and had opted to remain on duty during the Jewish Sabbath. He was one of 251 people taken hostage that day, an act that precipitated the full-scale conflict that has since devastated large parts of Gaza and led to thousands of deaths. Who is Edan Alexander? Born and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey — a suburb outside New York City — Alexander moved to Israel in 2022 after finishing high school. He enlisted in the Israeli military soon after his arrival. His capture and prolonged captivity became a rallying point for hostage advocacy efforts in both Israel and the United States, particularly in his hometown, where weekly marches were held every Friday calling for the release of all hostages. A video released by Hamas in November 2024, during the Thanksgiving weekend, showed Alexander appearing gaunt and emotionally distressed, pleading for assistance. While the footage was painful for the family to witness, they expressed relief that it confirmed he was still alive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Edan Alexander, who has been released from captivity by Hamas, after he had been kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, reacts as he reunites with his parents in Reim, southern Israel, before flying to Tel Aviv, May 12, 2025. GPO via Reuters Other hostages who were later freed reported to the family that Alexander had lost a significant amount of weight but had shown resilience, even advocating for other detainees. Notably, they said he defended a group of Thai workers also held hostage, telling his captors that those individuals were uninvolved in the conflict and should be released. In April 2025, another video surfaced, this time showing Alexander in a dark room. His family believed he was being held within Hamas' underground tunnel network. Shortly thereafter, Hamas claimed to have lost communication with the unit holding him after an Israeli airstrike allegedly targeted their location. Israeli officials did not issue a public response to this claim. Despite several ceasefire efforts since the beginning of the war, Alexander was not included in previous hostage exchanges. In January and February this year, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and returned the remains of eight others as part of a deal in which Israel freed nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. However, young male soldiers such as Alexander were excluded from those arrangements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Back in Tel Aviv, hundreds gathered in Hostage Square to celebrate Alexander's release. Among them were members of his extended family, wearing shirts emblazoned with his name. They erupted in cheers upon hearing the official confirmation from the military. Relatives and friends of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander gather to watch the TV broadcast of his release from Hamas captivity in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, May 12, 2025. File Image/AP His grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch, was overjoyed to see a recent photograph of him: 'He seemed like a man. He has really matured.' She noted that he even made a joke during his first phone call with his mother, a testament to his enduring spirit. 'He's got such a sense of humor,' she added. Celebrations also broke out in Tenafly, New Jersey. Crowds filled the town square, waving Israeli flags and holding signs with Alexander's image. Residents who had marched weekly for the hostages watched the moment of his release unfold live on a large screen. Why was Alexander finally released? Hamas said Alexander's release was intended as a 'goodwill gesture' ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the region this week . The group has long insisted that any comprehensive release of hostages still held in Gaza would only happen under terms involving a long-term ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave, and the release of additional Palestinian prisoners — conditions the Israeli government continues to reject. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump acknowledged the development in a social media post, stating, 'Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited both military pressure on Gaza and political coordination with the Trump administration for securing Alexander's freedom. A photograph released by Israeli authorities showed Alexander aboard a military helicopter holding a handwritten sign: 'Thank you, President Trump.' Adam Boehler, Trump's lead hostage negotiator, was closely involved in efforts to secure Alexander's release and shared an image of Alexander's mother on a flight to Israel on Monday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Special envoy Steve Witkoff, also involved in the negotiations, was expected to arrive in Israel around the same time. Four-party talks involving Hamas, the United States, Qatar and Egypt played a crucial role in facilitating this outcome. Qatari and Egyptian officials expressed hope that this could serve as the foundation for future negotiations aimed at freeing the remaining captives. Alexander's family welcomed the end of their ordeal with immense relief. 'We received the greatest gift imaginable — news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza,' they said in a public statement. Edan Alexander, who has been released from captivity by Hamas, after he had been kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, embraces his brother as he reunites with his family in Reim, southern Israel, before flying to Tel Aviv, May 12, 2025. GPO via Reuters They also urged continued international efforts to free the remaining hostages, stating: 'Please don't stop. We hope our son's release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families.' Despite the joy of one family, many others are still waiting for similar news. Among the critics of the current hostage policy is Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains in captivity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking alongside other relatives of hostages, she urged the United States to help bring the ordeal to an end. Addressing Trump, she said: 'The Israeli people are behind you. End this war. Bring them all home.' Who remains in captivity? As of now, Israel reports that 58 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with only about 23 believed to be alive. The majority of the original 251 hostages taken in the October 2023 attack have either been freed in exchange deals or confirmed dead. Humanitarian agencies and hostage advocacy groups have repeatedly called for renewed talks to secure the release of those still held, many of whom are reported to be in poor health. Here are names of the 23 hostages still believed to held in Gaza, as seen on The Washington Post: Matan Angrest, 22 Gali Berman, 27 Ziv Berman, 27 Elkana Bohbot, 36 Rom Braslavski, 21 Nimrod Cohen, 20 Ariel Cunio, 27 David Cunio, 34 Evyatar David, 24 Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24 Maxim Herkin, 36 Eitan Horn, 38 Bipin Joshi - from Nepal Segev Kalfon, 29 Bar Kupershtein, 24 Omri Miran, 48 Eitan Abraham Mor, 24 Tamir Nimrodi, 20 Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 24 Alon Ohel, 24 Avinatan Or, 32 Nattapong Pinta - believed to be the last Thai hostage alive. Matan Zangauker, 25 Following Alexander's release, Israeli authorities said they would send a delegation to Qatar on Thursday to explore a new round of negotiations. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), approximately 500,000 people in the enclave face the risk of starvation, with a potential famine looming by September if conditions do not improve. Despite the temporary pause in hostilities to enable Alexander's release, Israeli military activity resumed shortly afterward. Palestinian officials reported that three people were killed and several wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a shelter in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another woman reportedly died, and others were injured when tank shells struck a school in northern Gaza that was housing displaced civilians. Israel maintains that its campaign in Gaza will continue until all hostages are released and Hamas is militarily defeated. Netanyahu and intends to escalate operations in the territory. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Who is Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American hostage released by Hamas?
JERUSALEM: Edan Alexander was 19 when Hamas militants stormed the Israeli military base where the American-Israeli from New Jersey was a soldier and dragged him into the Gaza Strip. Hamas released Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, on Monday ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the region this week. The militant group called it a goodwill gesture aimed at reviving mediated efforts to end the 19-month war. Alexander was among 251 people taken hostage in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. Fifty-eight remain in Gaza. Around a third are believed to be alive. Most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. After Hamas announced on Sunday he would be released, Alexander's family said it 'received the greatest gift imaginable — news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza.' Alexander's parents flew to Israel on Monday. Trump's hostage negotiator, Adam Boehler, posted a picture on social media showing Alexander's mother, Yael, aboard the flight. A native of Tenafly, a suburb of New York City, Edan Alexander moved to Israel in 2022 after high school and enlisted in the military. Hamas militants seized him from his military base after he volunteered to stay there over the Jewish Sabbath. In a video Hamas released of Alexander over Thanksgiving weekend in November 2024, he cried and pleaded for help. Though the video was difficult to watch, his family said, it came as a relief to see he was alive. Hostages freed since then have given the family more news, his father said. Some said Alexander had lost a lot of weight. Others said he'd been an advocate for fellow hostages, standing up for captive Thai workers and telling their captors that the workers weren't involved in the conflict and should be freed. Alexander, like other male soldiers held in Gaza, was not included among hostages released during a ceasefire earlier this year. Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in January and February in return for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. The sight of some emaciated hostages among those freed brought fresh despair to families whose loved ones remained in Gaza.
Boston Globe
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Who is Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American hostage released by Hamas?
After Hamas announced on Sunday he would be released, Alexander's family said it 'received the greatest gift imaginable — news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza.' Advertisement Alexander's parents flew to Israel on Monday. Trump's hostage negotiator, Adam Boehler, posted a picture on social media showing Alexander's mother, Yael, aboard the flight. A native of Tenafly, a suburb of New York City, Edan Alexander moved to Israel in 2022 after high school and enlisted in the military. Hamas militants seized him from his military base after he volunteered to stay there over the Jewish Sabbath. In a video Hamas released of Alexander over Thanksgiving weekend in November 2024, he cried and pleaded for help. Though the video was difficult to watch, his family said, it came as a relief to see he was alive. Hostages freed since then have given the family more news, his father said. Some said Alexander had lost a lot of weight. Others said he'd been an advocate for fellow hostages, standing up for captive Thai workers and telling their captors that the workers weren't involved in the conflict and should be freed. Advertisement Alexander, like other male soldiers held in Gaza, was not included among hostages released during a ceasefire earlier this year. Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in January and February in return for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. The sight of some emaciated hostages among those freed brought fresh despair to families whose loved ones remained in Gaza. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, along with the release of more Palestinian prisoners. Israel has rejected those terms, saying it will continue the war until all the hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated. Hamas said in March it would release Alexander and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel recommitted to the stalled ceasefire agreement. Alexander's father, Adi, said at the time he was speaking with Trump's hostage negotiators almost daily, pressing for his son's release. Days later, Israel shattered the truce with a surprise bombardment that killed hundreds of Palestinians. Israel called the renewed bombardment a tactic to pressure Hamas to negotiate different ceasefire terms. Hamas said the offensive puts remaining hostages at risk. In April, Hamas published another video of Alexander in which he spoke from a dark room. His family believes he has been held in Hamas' vast tunnel network. Days later, Hamas said it had lost contact with the militants holding Alexander after an Israeli airstrike targeted their location. Israeli officials have not commented on the claim. Advertisement The Alexander family Monday urged the Israeli government to continue efforts to free all the hostages — a plea that other families have echoed since the Hamas announcement on Sunday. 'Please don't stop,' Alexander's family said. 'We hope our son's release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families.' Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writer Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv contributed.
